The Online Reflector

Natalie Cummings was recently named to the position of director of alumni relations.

Cummings graduated in 1984 from Concordia University and has worked for the past 13 years in alumni relations at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb.

According to Cummings, she came across the open position at the perfect time, because she was in “job change” mode. She said the University of Indianapolis was a fitting choice because it is a United Methodist affiliated school with a strong academic program, which is something she values.

One of her goals was to get into an institution larger than NWU.

“Before becoming Wesleyan’s alumni director, I had worked for nine years in admissions, seven of them at NWU,” Cummings said. “I became interested in alumni work, in part, because of the strong connections I had built with students there.”

While Cummings is at UIndy, she plans to help instill a feeling of connection with current students and continue that when they become alumni.

She said most students do not think about the ongoing relationship with their school after they graduate.

Cummings stresses that it is important to make sure people feel welcome by extending a hand of friendship toward them.

“She [Cummings] is never too busy to speak with a student,” said Administrative Assistant in Alumni Relations Jenny Pettit.

Event planning is one of the main responsibilities of alumni relations.  Learning about what intrigues the alumni is an important aspect of Cummings’  job.

“Before each event we start with the following questions: What type of event?  What interests alumni?  What activities will help them feel a renewed connection to UIndy?” Cummings said.

Cummings believes that alumni are the key to university involvement.

“The more alumni are involved and tell others about their UIndy experiences, the more everyone will benefit through increased awareness of the university,” Cummings said.

She would like for students to get involved with alumni programs so that they can see how their current relationship with UIndy can continue long after their graduation.

Cummings wants to leave her mark on the university by being remembered as someone who listened, participated and collaborated with alumni to build a program that will help other alumni and current students.

Her hope is that the university will benefit from alumni building connections.

She said she hopes that alumni will get companies they work for to establish internships, share connections with someone who will make a good commencement speaker or know someone willing to donate a large amount of money for a scholarship.

Cummings said she  has adjusted quickly to the city and enjoys the environment.

“I have discovered everyday what Hoosier hospitality means,” she said. “I thought people back where I’m from are nice, but Hoosiers are even nicer.”